Maria Canton
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 14/99) - A week and two days have passed since fire destroyed the Fabien's home and all of their possessions.

"We're doing our best," Xavier Fabien said."The community has been really good, they're pouring their hearts out to us."

Staying with relatives only four doors down from the charred remains of his home, Fabien says there is nothing of any monetary value left.

"So far I've only found a couple spoons and forks and two photo albums, but one is badly burned," he said. "I think the other one has pictures of the kids in it--I haven't looked yet, it's too sad."

Only his wife Cathy and the family dog, Rocket, were home when the fire started -- Rocket later died from smoke inhalation.

The trailer was undergoing extensive renovations at the time and the entire interior was draped with large plastic sheets, making the smoke even heavier and more toxic.

"My wife called the fire department and went to get the dog," Fabien said. "But then they called back to confirm the call and by then the smoke was too bad. She could only scream and leave."

The fire, which attracted 100s of curious on-lookers, started just after 5:30 p.m. on May 6 -- the exact cause is yet to be determined, but the fire department says it started near the furnace and chimney.

"Honestly, no one knows, no one knows who or what is to be blamed," said Fabien. "It may have been an accident or negligence, nobody knows."

The family has, however, been given permission by their insurance company to begin cleaning up and they have plans to rebuild within two or three months.

"We'll rebuild in the same spot, I own the lot and I would like it to be the same, not bigger, not smaller, just the same."

Fabien says the generosity of the public has been amazing and their support means a lot to his family.

The schools have been collecting donations, a group held a car wash on the weekend and the Fabien's church has also been very supportive.

"They (the public) are doing so much for us, words and tears can only express so much."

Donations for the Fabiens can be made at the Calvary Community Church.